Personalized waterproof memorial container device and method of use thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for a permanent or semi-permanent memorial container configured to be positioned in a designated location, and preferably a memorial location, such as gravesite or other memorial.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 63/166,384, filed Mar. 26, 2021. The entirespecification and figures of the above-referenced application are herebyincorporated, in their entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed to a memorial container configured tobe positioned at a memorial location to secure one or more personalitems or moments.

BACKGROUND

The loss of a relative or loved one can be a traumatic event in anyperson's life. Memorials, such as gravestones, statues, or monuments toindividuals, or groups of individuals, help create a connection withthose who have passed away. While such memorials can be personalized toreflect one or more individuals, they are generally static and do notpresent opportunities for continued engagement by relatives or lovedones that may wish to visit the memorial. As such, there exists a needfor a simple and effective way to continually personalize and interactwith a memorial location as a means to mourn or find inspiration fromthe lives of those who have passed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As described below, the personalized memorial container of the inventionmay include a sealable memorial container that may be configured topermit continual engagement and personalization with a memorial site.One aspect of the memorial container of the invention is that it allowsusers to prepare and safely store personal items, such as notes,letters, and small cards at a memorial location, such as a headstone ata gravesite. Such personalized memorials may be collected in a memorialcontainer of the invention such that when a user visits a loved one'smemorial site, the user may add and safely store additional personalizedmaterials, or alternatively, the user may access the box, which mayfurther include a locking component. In this aspect, a spouse or lovedone may place a memorial container at a memorial location, such as aheadstone, and can later visit and unlock/unseal the memorial containerand collect the personal items, such as letters or notes that have beencollected inside and may further bring them to another location to readand enjoy. Alternately, a person may unlock/unseal the memorialcontainer and collect the personal items, such as letters or notes thathave been collected inside and read or share them at the memoriallocation, after which they can be returned to the memorial container

The memorial container of the invention provides several advantages,including but not limited to:

Increase connection: For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic and inother similar situations, public officials at the federal, state andlocal level prohibited funerals, memorials and large gatherings. Peoplewere not able to pay their respects to loved ones that had passed. Thememorial container of the invention allows a person to continuallycommunicate to their loved one, and also provides the ability to leave apersonalized item, such as a written note, a picture, or artwork for theimmediate family that can be kept as a remembrance.

Decrease unintended litter: It is common for people to leave personalitems, such as flowers or other small items at memorial locations, suchas gravesites. Being unsecured, such flowers, small items, and notes canbe scattered into nearby streets, up against fences, or nearby fields.Moreover, such items, being exposed to the elements are degraded andlost over time.

Increase the grieving process and health: When visiting a memoriallocation, such as gravesite, many people wish to communicate with theirloved ones that have passed away but find it difficult to express suchwords and emotions. Many may feel embarrassed, or simply at a loss forwords. Many people in this situation prefer to leave a personal messageor memento, such as a letter or picture. However, as noted above, beingunsecured and exposed to the elements, such personal items are quicklyscattered, destroyed, or lost. Being secured with a memorial containerof the invention, such personal messages or mementos may be preserved,and revisited over time, providing a continual memorial at thatlocation.

In addition, a visitor to that memorial location may access, forexample, an unlocked memorial container of the invention and view notes,pictures or other personal items that have been left by loved ones. Suchpersonalized experiences make the time visiting a memorial location moremeaningful and memorable, adding significant meaning to the mourningprocess.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a top-front perspective view of a memorial container of theinvention in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 2 shows a bottom-front perspective view of a memorial container ofthe invention in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 3 shows a front view of a memorial container of the invention inone embodiment thereof;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a memorial container of the invention in oneembodiment thereof;

FIG. 5 shows a top view of a memorial container of the invention in oneembodiment thereof;

FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of a memorial container of the invention inone embodiment thereof;

FIG. 7 shows a front perspective view of a memorial container of theinvention with the resealable lid partially removed in one embodimentthereof;

FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of a memorial container of the inventionin one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 9 shows a front-perspective view of memorial container of theinvention positioned on an exemplary gravestone with the resealable lidin a closed position in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 10 shows a top-perspective view of memorial container of theinvention positioned on an exemplary gravestone with the resealable lidin a partially open position in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 11 shows a front-perspective view of memorial container of theinvention positioned on an exemplary gravestone with the resealable lidin the closed position in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 12 shows a top-perspective view of memorial container of theinvention positioned on an exemplary gravestone with the resealable lidin a partially open position in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 13 shows a bottom-perspective view of memorial container of theinvention with the resealable lid in a partially open position in oneembodiment thereof;

FIG. 14 shows a top-perspective view of memorial container of theinvention with the resealable lid in a partially open position in oneembodiment thereof;

FIG. 15 shows a side view of memorial container of the invention withthe resealable lid in a partially open position in one embodimentthereof;

FIG. 16 shows a top view of memorial container of the invention with theresealable lid in a partially open position in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 17 shows a front perspective view of memorial container of theinvention with the resealable lid of the invention separatelydisarticulated in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 18 shows a top view of memorial container of the invention with thebottom-side of the resealable lid separately disarticulated in oneembodiment thereof;

FIG. 19 shows a top view of memorial container of the invention with thetop-side of the resealable lid separately disarticulated in oneembodiment thereof;

FIG. 20 shows a front-perspective view of memorial container of theinvention with the resealable lid in a closed position in one embodimentthereof;

FIG. 21 shows a bottom-perspective view of memorial container of theinvention with the resealable lid in a closed position in one embodimentthereof;

FIG. 22 shows a side view of memorial container of the invention withthe resealable lid in a closed position in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 23 shows a front view of memorial container of the invention withthe resealable lid in a closed position in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 24 shows a top view of memorial container of the invention with theresealable lid in a closed position in one embodiment thereof;

FIG. 25 shows a front-perspective view of memorial container of theinvention with the resealable lid in a closed position in onealternative embodiment thereof;

FIG. 26 shows a front-perspective view of memorial container of theinvention with the resealable lid disarticulated in an open position inone alternative embodiment thereof;

FIG. 27 shows a front-perspective view of memorial container of theinvention positioned on an exemplary gravestone with the resealable lidin the closed position in one alternative embodiment thereof;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for a permanentor semi-permanent memorial container (1) to be positioned in adesignated location, and preferably a gravesite or other memorial (2).In one preferred embodiment, a memorial container (1) of the inventionmay include a securable container that may be left at a memoriallocation (2), such as a gravestone, statue, or other location that maycarry a special meaning to one or more individuals. As shown in FIGS.12-13, and 26-27, the memorial container (1) of the invention may bepositioned proximate to a memorial location (2) in an unsecured manner,while in alternative embodiments, the memorial container (1) of theinvention may be secured to a physical memorial, such as a gravestonethrough an attachment means, such as an adhesive, a strap, a stake, amount, or a coupler apparatus, such as a threaded coupler, a snapcoupler, or a quick release coupler and the like. In certain preferredembodiments, the memorial container (1) of the invention may beincorporated into the memorial, such as a gravestone having apre-fabricated compartment (11) configured to secure the container (1).

In another preferred embodiment, the memorial container (1) of theinvention may be secured in the ground at, or adjacent to a memoriallocation (2), such as a gravestone. In this embodiment, the memorialcontainer (1) may be positioned such that the body of the container issecured in the ground while the top surface is sufficiently accessibleto allow the resealable lid (3) thereby allowing access to the internalcompartment of the memorial container (1). In a preferred embodiment,the top surface of the memorial container (1) may be approximately levelwith the ground, while in some embodiments it may be positioned slightlyabove ground to allow better access to the resealable lid (3). In thisconfiguration, the top surface of the memorial container (1) may extendto a position that would be approximate a standard flat gravestone ormemorial so as to allow, for example a lawn mower to pass over thememorial container (1) of the invention unimpeded.

In another embodiment, a mount (9) configured to be secured to amemorial location (2) that can secure a memorial container (1) of theinvention, preferably at a coupler position (10). For example, in oneembodiment a mount may be staked into the ground adjacent to a memorialcontainer (1) of the invention, and further include a coupling surfacethat may secure, preferably the bottom surface of the container (1). Inthis embodiment, the coupling between the mount and the memorialcontainer (1) of the invention may include an adhesive, a strap, astake, a mount, or a coupler apparatus, such as a threaded coupler, aslide coupler, a snap coupler, or a quick release coupler and the like.

In another embodiment, a mount may be secured directly to a memoriallocation (2), such as a gravestone, and further include a couplingsurface that may secure, preferably the bottom surface of the container(1). In this embodiment, the coupling between the mount and the memoriallocation (2) of the invention may include an adhesive, a strap, a stake,or a fitted extension coupler. In this embodiment, the coupling betweenthe secure mount and the memorial container (1) of the invention mayinclude an adhesive, a strap, a stake, a mount, or a coupler apparatus,such as a threaded coupler, a snap coupler, or a quick release couplerand the like.

In alternative embodiments, the memorial container (1) of the inventionmay also be secured in the ground next to the memorial site (2). In thisexample, the memorial container (1) of the invention may include one ormore stake elements that may be inserted and secured in the groundmaintaining the memorial container (1) of the invention in place. In analternative embodiment, the memorial container (1) of the invention mayinclude a secure pad that can be staked or secured in the group to anexternal surface of a memorial (2) such that the memorial container (1)of the invention may be removably coupled, for example through athreaded coupler positioned on the bottom surface of the container (2).As noted above, additional attachment means may be employed, forexample: an adhesive, a strap, a mount, a stake, or a coupler apparatus,such as a threaded coupler, a snap coupler, or a quick release couplerand the like.

As noted above, one purpose of the memorial container (1) of theinvention is to secure notes, small cards, and other personal items atthe headstone site. As such, the memorial container (1) may beconfigured to be water-tight, and have sufficient ventilation, such thatmoisture and condensation do not collect in the internal compartment ofthe structure. As also noted above, the memorial container (1) mayinclude a locking component that may include a key, or combination lockthat may be opened only by an authorized user that has been provided thecorresponding key or combination. In this embodiment, one surface of thememorial container (1) may be movable, for example through a hinge or aspring loaded apparatus, such that it may be opened and thereby allowaccess to the internal compartment of the container.

As noted above, the memorial container (1) may include a resealable lid(3) configured to be secured to the top surface of the container (1)through a coupler apparatus. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG.8, the resealable lid (3) of the invention may be secured to the topsource of the memorial container (1) through an exemplary couplerapparatus. In this embodiment, a spline (4) and/or guide (5) may beinserted into a spline aperture (6) and and/or a guide aperture (7)securing the lid to the top portion of the container (1). In thisembodiment the spline (4) and/or guide (5) can be separate, or integralcomponents of the resealable lid (2) or memorial container (1) of theinvention.

In some embodiments the spline (4) may be rotatable such that theresealable lid (3) may be rotated into an open position to allow accessthe internal compartment of the memorial container (1), and then rotatedback into a closed position. Still further embodiment may include anintegral joint, such as a dovetail (12) or other similar joint, formedbetween the resealable lid (2) and memorial container (1) of theinvention. In this embodiment the lid (2) may slide between an open andclosed position as generally shown in the figures.

In a preferred embodiment, a memorial container (1) of the invention maybe made of a variety of materials, such as stone, weatherproof stone,metal, plastic or a composite material. Furthermore, while the memorialcontainer (1) of the invention may include a variety of customizeddimensions, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 27. Notably, in a preferred memorialcontainer (1) of the invention may be constructed to have an internalcompartment, and may include a slot configured to accommodate a standardgreeting card. For example, in this embodiment the compartment of thememorial container (1) may have an internal compartment that isapproximately 6 by 8 inches in depth, with a width of approximately 6inches.

The memorial container (1) of the invention may further include one ormore customizable panels that may be secured to the outside surface ofthe memorial container (1). For example, in one embodiment, acustomizable panel may include a name plate, and preferably anengravable name plate. In alternative embodiments, a customizable panelmay include a display panel where a user can insert and display on thesurface of the memorial container (1) a picture, artwork, or logo thatmay have significance to the loved one or visitor.

The memorial container (1) of the invention may include one or moreseparable or integral secondary compartments (8). As shown in FIGS. 1-8,in a preferred embodiment, one, or in this case a plurality of secondarycompartments (8) that may be positioned on the sides of the memorialcontainer (1) and extend along the length of body of the container (2).Such secondary compartments (8) may be used to secure and/or displayitems such as flowers, or other similar memorial displays. The secondarycompartments (8) of the invention may further provide an externalsurface that can allow a user to clip or otherwise attach memorialdisplays, such as photographs, cards, artwork and the like.

Naturally, all embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative andshould not be construed to limit the scope of the inventive technologyconsistent with the broader inventive principles disclosed. As may beeasily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the presentinventive technology may be embodied in a variety of ways. It generallyinvolves systems, methods, and techniques as well as devices toaccomplish a memorial container and display system. In this application,the techniques, including novel and unique uses of manufacturing methodsand materials, are disclosed as part of the results shown to be achievedby the various devices described and as steps which are inherent toutilization. They are simply the natural results of utilizing thedevices as intended and described. In addition, while some devices aredisclosed, it should be understood that these not only accomplishcertain methods but also can be varied in a number of ways. Importantly,as to all of the foregoing, all of these facets should be understood tobe encompassed by this disclosure.

The discussion included in this provisional application is intended toserve as a basic description. The reader should be aware that thespecific discussion may not explicitly describe all embodimentspossible; many alternatives are implicit. It also may not fully explainthe generic nature of the inventive technology and may not explicitlyshow how each feature or element can actually be representative of abroader function or of a great variety of alternative or equivalentelements. Again, these are implicitly included in this disclosure. Wherethe inventive technology is described in device-oriented terminology,each element of the device implicitly performs a function. Apparatusclaims may not only be included for the device described, but alsomethod or process claims may be included to address the functions theinventive technology and each element performs. Neither the descriptionnor the terminology is intended to limit the scope of the claims thatwill be included in any subsequent patent application.

It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be madewithout departing from the essence of the inventive technology. Suchchanges are also implicitly included in the description. They still fallwithin the scope of this inventive technology. A broad disclosureencompassing both the explicit embodiment(s) shown, the great variety ofimplicit alternative embodiments, and the broad apparatus, methods orprocesses and the like are encompassed by this disclosure and may berelied upon when drafting the claims for any subsequent patentapplication. It should be understood that such language changes andbroader or more detailed claiming may be accomplished at a later date(such as by any required deadline) or in the event the applicantsubsequently seeks a patent filing based on this filing. With thisunderstanding, the reader should be aware that this disclosure is to beunderstood to support any subsequently filed patent application that mayseek examination of as broad a base of claims as deemed within theapplicant's right and may be designed to yield a patent coveringnumerous aspects of the inventive technology both independently and asan overall system.

Further, each of the various elements of the inventive technology andclaims may also be achieved in a variety of manners. Additionally, whenused or implied, an element is to be understood as encompassingindividual as well as plural structures that may or may not bephysically connected. This disclosure should be understood to encompasseach such variation, be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatusembodiment, a method or process embodiment, or even merely a variationof any element of these. Particularly, it should be understood that asthe disclosure relates to elements of the inventive technology, thewords for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms ormethod terms—even if only the function or result is the same. Suchequivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered tobe encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such termscan be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broadcoverage to which this inventive technology is entitled. As but oneexample, it should be understood that all actions may be expressed as ameans for taking that action or as an element which causes that action.Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood toencompass a disclosure of the action which that physical elementfacilitates. Regarding this last aspect, as but one example, thedisclosure of an “coupler” should be understood to encompass disclosureof the act of “coupling”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and,conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of “coupling”,such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of an“coupling method and/or technique, and or device” and even a “means forcoupling.” Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood to beexplicitly included in the description.

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to have support to claim andmake a statement of invention to at least: i) each of the methods,apparatus, improvements and/or devices as herein disclosed anddescribed, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii)similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of thesedevices and methods, iv) those alternative designs which accomplish eachof the functions shown as are disclosed and described, v) thosealternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functionsshown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed anddescribed, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate andindependent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the varioussystems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products producedby such systems or components, ix) each system, method, and elementshown or described as now applied to any specific field or devicesmentioned, x) methods and apparatuses substantially as describedhereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, xi)the various combinations and permutations of each of the elementsdisclosed, xii) each potentially dependent claim or concept as adependency on each and every one of the independent claims or conceptspresented, and xiii) all inventions described herein.

With regard to claims whether now or later presented for examination, itshould be understood that for practical reasons and so as to avoid greatexpansion of the examination burden, the applicant may at any timepresent only initial claims or perhaps only initial claims with onlyinitial dependencies. The office and any third persons interested inpotential scope of this or subsequent applications should understandthat broader claims may be presented at a later date in this case, in acase claiming the benefit of this case, or in any continuation in spiteof any preliminary amendments, other amendments, claim language, orarguments presented, thus throughout the pendency of any case there isno intention to disclaim or surrender any potential subject matter. Itshould be understood that if or when broader claims are presented, suchmay require that any relevant prior art that may have been considered atany prior time may need to be re-visited since it is possible that tothe extent any amendments, claim language, or arguments presented inthis or any subsequent application are considered as made to avoid suchprior art, such reasons may be eliminated by later presented claims orthe like. Both the examiner and any person otherwise interested inexisting or later potential coverage or considering if there has at anytime been any possibility of an indication of disclaimer or surrender ofpotential coverage, should be aware that no such surrender or disclaimeris ever intended or ever exists in this or any subsequent application.Limitations such as arose in Hakim v. Cannon Avent Group, PLC, 479 F.3d1313 (Fed. Cir 2007), or the like are expressly not intended in this orany subsequent related matter. In addition, support should be understoodto exist to the degree required under new matter laws—including but notlimited to European Patent Convention Article 123(2) and United StatesPatent Law 35 USC 132 or other such laws—to permit the addition of anyof the various dependencies or other elements presented under oneindependent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any otherindependent claim or concept. In drafting any claims at any time whetherin this application or in any subsequent application, it should also beunderstood that the applicant has intended to capture as full and broada scope of coverage as legally available. To the extent thatinsubstantial substitutes are made, to the extent that the applicant didnot in fact draft any claim so as to literally encompass any particularembodiment, and to the extent otherwise applicable, the applicant shouldnot be understood to have in any way intended to or actuallyrelinquished such coverage as the applicant simply may not have beenable to anticipate all eventualities; one skilled in the art, should notbe reasonably expected to have drafted a claim that would have literallyencompassed such alternative embodiments.

Further, if or when used, the use of the transitional phrase“comprising” is used to maintain the “open-end” claims herein, accordingto traditional claim interpretation. Thus, unless the context requiresotherwise, it should be understood that the term “comprise” orvariations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, are intended to implythe inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or stepsbut not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elementsor steps. Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive formso as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible.The use of the phrase, “or any other claim” is used to provide supportfor any claim to be dependent on any other claim, such as anotherdependent claim, another independent claim, a previously listed claim, asubsequently listed claim, and the like. As one clarifying example, if aclaim were dependent “on claim 20 or any other claim” or the like, itcould be re-drafted as dependent on claim 1, claim 15, or even claim 715(if such were to exist) if desired and still fall with the disclosure.It should be understood that this phrase also provides support for anycombination of elements in the claims and even incorporates any desiredproper antecedent basis for certain claim combinations such as withcombinations of method, apparatus, process, and the like claims.

Finally, any claims set forth at any time are hereby incorporated byreference as part of this description of the inventive technology, andthe applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion ofsuch incorporated content of such claims as additional description tosupport any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof,and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move anyportion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or anyelement or component thereof from the description into the claims orvice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection issought by this application or by any subsequent continuation, division,or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefitof, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws,rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such contentincorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency ofthis application including any subsequent continuation, division, orcontinuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extensionthereon.

What is claimed is:
 1. A memorial container comprising: a waterproof container having an external and internal surface forming an internal compartment configured to secure one or more personal items; a resealable lid securable to the top portion of the container by a coupler; and wherein said container is positioned proximate to a memorial location.
 2. The container of claim 1, and further comprising a lock to secure said resealable lid to said waterproof container.
 3. The container of claim 1, wherein said memorial location comprises a gravestone.
 4. The container of claim 1, wherein said coupler comprises a spline and/or guide that secures said secure said resealable lid to said waterproof container.
 5. The container of claim 1, wherein said coupler comprises a dovetail joint that slidably secures said resealable lid to said waterproof container.
 6. The container of claim 1, wherein said waterproof container may further include a stake configured to secure said waterproof container in said ground.
 7. The container of claim 1, wherein said waterproof container comprises a waterproof container selected from the group consisting of a rock waterproof container; a metal waterproof container, a plastic waterproof container, or a composite waterproof container.
 8. The container of claim 1, wherein said waterproof container further includes one or more customizable panels.
 9. The container of claim 1, wherein said one or more personal items comprises items selected from the group consisting of a letter, a card, a picture, a memento, artwork, or a combination thereof.
 10. The container of claim 1, and further comprising a slot component configured to receive one or more personal items into the internal compartment of said waterproof container.
 11. The container of claim 1, and further comprising a mount secured to said memorial location.
 12. The container of claim 11, wherein said mount comprises a coupling surface configured to secure the memorial container to a memorial location.
 13. The container of claim 12, wherein said coupling surface comprises a coupler configured to be secured to a coupler position of the container selected from the group consisting of: an adhesive, a strap, a stake, a mount, a threaded coupler, a slide coupler, a snap coupler, and a quick release coupler.
 14. An integrated memorial container system comprising: a waterproof container having an external and internal surface forming an internal compartment configured to secure one or more personal items; a resealable lid securable to the top portion of the container by a coupler; and a gravestone having an pre-fabricated compartment configured to receive and secure said waterproof container.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein said pre-fabricated compartment comprises a coupling surface that is configured to be coupled with a coupler position of the container.
 16. The system of claim 14, wherein said coupling surface is selected from the group consisting of: an adhesive, a strap, a stake, a mount, a threaded coupler, a slide coupler, a snap coupler, and a quick release coupler.
 17. The system of claim 14, wherein said integral position comprises a slot integral with said gravestone.
 18. The system of claim 14, wherein said coupler comprises a spline and/or guide that secures said secure said resealable lid to said waterproof container.
 19. The system of claim 14, wherein said coupler comprises a dovetail joint that slidably secures said resealable lid to said waterproof container.
 20. A mounted memorial container system comprising: a waterproof container having an external and internal surface forming an internal compartment configured to secure one or more personal items; a resealable lid securable to the top portion of the container by a coupler; and a mount secured to a memorial location; and a coupling surface configured to secure a coupler position on said memorial container to the container to said memorial location. 